Boycott Monsanto

[Shannon Nelson]

Well, I'm delighted to find the internet is just *bursting* with websites re "Boycott Monsanto"! But I'd like to add a few of the reasons and methods here.

I heard just a blurb on the news this morning that Monsanto's "round-up ready" alfalfa has been taken a step closer to release to the market. In my opinion the best possible response to this news would be for everyone who possibly can, to Boycott Monsanto! And to the extent feasible, boycott those who use Monsanto's products -- a very wide web!

There are many other reasons as well (in addition to the alfalfa) why this company desperately needs to be boycotted: e.g. farmer intimidation; e.g. marketing dangerous products (GMOs in particular) with insufficient scientific study; e.g. their efforts to "own" genetic material; to prevent seed-saving--reasons abound!

*** For a list of examples, see http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm#bankrupt ***
If Monsanto will not listen to reason, morality or science, and since they obviously have the "authorities" in their deep, comfy and well-lined pockets, then perhaps a consumer revolt will help to turn them around (or better, put them out of business, wishfully thinking).
Some sites for e.g.:

Background: http://www.whtc.com/news/articles/2010/ ... ding-usda/
And: http://www.green-talk.com/2010/02/05/sa ... d-alfalfa/
explaining some of the issues, from: http://voices.injuryboard.com/toxic-sub ... eid=278926

What is Roundup Ready™ Alfalfa and why is it of great concern? This is a seed that has been developed through biotechnology to be resistant to high doses of the broad based herbicide Round Up™. The active ingredient in Round Up™ is Glyphosate. Monsanto owns both the Roundup Ready Alfalfa seeds and the herbicide. It is very profitable for them to sell and contract their patented seeds to farmers as it facilitates a circle of dependence.

The alfalfa is of great concern because of its prevalence, its dependency on pollinators and its wide usage as feed for organic dairy and cattle. Alfalfa grows wild as well as being an intentional crop, so is at greater risk of widespread contamination. The USDA's own Environmental Impact Statement reveals significant cross contamination occurrences. They are now proposing that they can restrict the GE crops for protection. However, the several varieties of bees that pollinate the alfalfa travel for many miles. Their solutions are unrealistic. Please read more about What is Wrong with Round Up Ready Alfalfa? from the Geerston Seed Farms and also this informative blog from Nourished Kitchen .

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*** More examples of why we need to do this at: http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm

Monsanto Sues More Small Family Farmers
Percy Schmeiser is a farmer from Saskatchewan Canada, whose Canola fields were contaminated with Monsanto's genetically engineered Round-Up Ready Canola by pollen from a nearby farm. Monsanto says it doesn't matter how the contamination took place, and is therefore demanding Schmeiser pay their Technology Fee ... (more at link)

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I was hoping to find a ready list of what the relevant companies would be, but haven't come across it yet. But would include Kelloggs (because they use the sugar of GMO sugar beets), as well as milk companies that use rBGH, and numerous garden products -- I'll post more specifics once I find them. It's important to not only not buy these products, but also to write to the companies and *tell* them you are not buying their products because of their connection with Monsanto and/or because of their use of GMO products. Even if only a small percentage of us can write a letter here and there, it can add up, and consumer complaints will get their attention!